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Teen Challenge
I AM A TEEN CHALLENGE GRADUATE.
I want to clarify that while I am not officially affiliated with the rehabilitation center Teen Challenge, I have been a long-time supporter and advocate for their transformative ministry. Their work embodies the spirit of unity and shared purpose that the Apostle Paul calls us to:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
To help further their mission, I have added a “Donate Directly” tab on my website, allowing others to join in supporting their incredible work.
God bless you
Cliff, The Street Pastor Who Changed My Life
Twenty-five years ago, I was homeless, addicted to heroin, and living without direction. That’s when a street pastor named Cliff approached me and said, “Jesus loves you.” At the time, I rejected God and was rebellious, but I took his business card.
Over the next two weeks, Cliff didn’t give up on me. We kept meeting, and he eventually invited me into his home to detox from heroin. He took care of me and helped me take my first steps toward recovery. Once I was stable, he arranged for me to go to the Teen Challenge Drug and Alcohol Center. Cliff drove me there, set me up, and supported me the entire year I was there.
After I graduated from Teen Challenge, I flew to Mexico City to attend Bible college. Cliff was there for me every step of the way. He even flew down to my wedding two years later, serving as my best man and personal photographer. Cliff has invested countless hours, money, and love into my life. He has never given up on me, no matter what.
Now, I’ve been clean and sober for seven years, working full-time to help others struggling with addiction. I often tell people on the street about Cliff and how his love and dedication to God changed my life. I don’t know where I’d be without him. He’s more than a friend—he’s my brother, and I’d lay down my life for him.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
I’ll never forget what Cliff has done for me. Love him like my brother.
Pastor David Wilkerson
Pastor David Wilkerson is the founder of an international drug rehabilitation program called Teen Challenge which has one of the highest success rates anywhere in the world. Since its first center opened in New York in 1960, Teen Challenge has grown to over 1400 locations in 129 countries.
The cause of Teen Challenge has spread all over the world, reaching out to people trapped in all types of addictions. In many areas of the globe, the program is for more than just teens, focusing on adults 19 and up, families, or single parents.
Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs of its kind, and has been for over 60 years. Our continued victory is not because of the “program” itself, but because of the belief that God, through a relationship with Jesus Christ, can dramatically change lives. We believe in a Creator who knows our hurts, struggles, and deepest desires – and if we submit ourselves to Him, He will give us a life full of purpose, greater than anything we could have asked or imagined.
